Cleaning vintage

[Lesnerelli23]

Hey everyone! I recently acquired a 1958 OP 6565. I haven’t yet had it serviced but plan to soon. However, I was wondering what kind of methods you all use for cleaning a vintage piece that hasn’t been pressure tested?

Normally I use a bowl of warm water with baby soap and a baby toothbrush. The OP is TT, I’d like to try and clean up the gold bezel but I’m not sure if water could get down into the case around the bezel if it isn’t sealed up well.

What do you all think? Any advice? Should I just leave well enough alone until service?

Thanks :)

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Hey everyone! I recently acquired a 1958 OP 6565. I haven’t yet had it serviced but plan to soon. However, I was wondering what kind of methods you all use for cleaning a vintage piece that hasn’t been pressure tested?

Normally I use a bowl of warm water with baby soap and a baby toothbrush. The OP is TT, I’d like to try and clean up the gold bezel but I’m not sure if water could get down into the case around the bezel if it isn’t sealed up well.

What do you all think? Any advice? Should I just leave well enough alone until service?

Thanks :)

I wouldn't submerge the watch in the soapy water. Maybe use a towel and wipe it down while inverted to allow the crust and must to soften. Then clean with whatever tools you are comfortable with.

If serviced and tested you will not have to be so careful.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

However, I was wondering what kind of methods you all use for cleaning a vintage piece that hasn’t been pressure tested?

Probably safe to wipe it with a damp cloth. Then give it a proper cleaning once it's been tested.

[MorningTundra]

It will be run through a sonic cleaner when serviced. But for now, wet wipes (baby wipes).

[Lesnerelli23]

Thanks everyone. I'll probably just leave it for now. It's not exactly dirty but the yellow gold bezel seems dingy and i'm wondering if it's age or dirt. More of curiosity thing lol.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Thanks everyone. I'll probably just leave it for now. It's not exactly dirty but the yellow gold bezel seems dingy and i'm wondering if it's age or dirt. More of curiosity thing lol.

Any silver in the 18K gold amalgam will oxidise.

Give it a wipe over with a silver cleaning cloth.

Many watch battery service centres can pressure test to 6 Bar.

If it passes you can give it a bath.

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by Andad

Any silver in the 18K gold amalgam will oxidise.

Give it a wipe over with a silver cleaning cloth.

Many watch battery service centres can pressure test to 6 Bar.

If it passes you can give it a bath.

That helps a lot, I actually have to go get a battery changed in a watch I’m giving to a friend anyway! I’ll ask while I’m there :) Thanks!

[pk552502]

Hi, I liked this article I read online about cleaning a vintage watch. Take a read if you have time:

mentawatches.com/how-to-clean-your-vintage-watch/